HUNDREDS of people took part in the annual St George’s Day parade in the centre of Eastleigh yesterday.

Members of the various scout groups marched through the main shopping area before assembling in front of a bandstand in the park.

Some of the youngsters dressed up as a dragon while others portrayed knights.

District commissioner Dick Whittington and county youth commissioner Peter Marcus were among those who took the salute.

Many of the Scouts, Guides and Beavers donated items of food to the Eastleigh Basics Bank, which has fed 16,628 people since it was set up in 2011.

The bank helped 1,701 people last year and 466 in the first three months of this year alone.

Music was provided throughout the parade by the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band - known as The Spitfires.